September 23, 2011 (Issue 2011-45)

The Secretary of State's office is implementing a number of new online driver's license and vehicle-related services through its website (www.michigan.gov/sos).  One of the new services is online change of address.  Only individuals with a Michigan driver's license or ID card will be eligible for this service.  For security purposes, a detailed  "authentication" process will be used to verify a person's identity before an online transaction of this type can be completed.  As with other driver's license/ID card address changes, if an online change of address applicant is also a currently-registered voter, the voter registration address will also be updated. 

From a QVF perspective, the process for updating an individual's voter registration record will remain the same.  However, no paper form will accompany these transactions. Essentially, this change forces use of the QVF / driver signature as opposed to the signature from a blue and white branch office or other mail-in form.  QVF jurisdictions will continue to receive in-box transactions as they do now.  Online paperless change of address transactions will be distinguished in QVF only in voter history.  The "user" in voter history will labeled in this manner:  "BAM Web Transaction 830 Branch (830)."  The SOS branch number ("830" in this example) may actually range from 830 to 849. 

These voter address changes should be processed and updated in QVF as they are now.  Accept the voter registration, utilizing the QVF digital signature (if available).  For jurisdictions without QVF access, if you need a hard-copy signature, please work with your county to obtain one from QVF, or change the voter's status to "Verify - Signature".  Also send the voter a new voter ID card.

It is important to note that change of address transactions will also continue to be offered and processed as they are today through all Secretary of State branch offices and through the mail.  The new online change of address option is just one new additional service being offered by the Secretary of State. 

While these new online services were made available this week on the Secretary of State's website, they will not be widely publicized until mid-October, to allow for additional review and confirmation that the program is operating as planned.  If you notice any problem issues with receipt or processing of these transactions, please contact the Bureau of Elections as soon as possible. 

Questions?  Please contact the Bureau of Elections at: 1-800-292-5973.